Barbara Ellen- Snipes (NC) 1918 Sharp MS
[My title. Eleven stanzas with music as Bronson 92, from Sharp MSS., 4564. Notes from Sharp's diary follow,
R. Matteson 2015]
[Barbara Ellen] - Sung by Mrs. Emily J. Snipes, Marion, N.C., September 5, 1918.Sharp MSS., 4564/3189. Bronson notes: Cf. Mrs. Snipes' version of "The Cruel Mother" (Child No. 20), Sharp and Karpeles, 193:, I, p. 62(M), (ante, Vol. I, p. 291).
1 Dark and gloomy is the town.
Where these three maids were boarding.
There was but one I called my-own,
Her name was Barbara Ellen.
2. He sent his servant to the town,
Where these three maids were boarding.
My master says for you to come there
If your name is Barbara Ellen.
3. Slowly, slowly rose she up
And slowly went she to him,
And slightly laid the curtain back,
Saying: Young man, you're dying.
4 Yes, I'm sick, I'm very sick,
And death is near me dwelling;
I never can see my time again
If I don't get Barbara Ellen.
5 Yes you're sick and very sick
And death is near you dwelling;
You never can see your time again,
For you can't get Barbara Ellen.
6 He turned his face towards the wall
And burst-ed out a-crying.
Adieu, adieu to all my friends,
But woe to Barbara Ellen.
7 Quickly, quickly rose she up,
And quickly went she from him.
She had not got more than half a mile
Till she saw his old corpse corning.
8. She looked to the East, she looked to the West,
She heard those death bells ringing,
And every knock it seemed to say:
Cruel Barbara Ellen.
9. Mother, mother, go make my bed,
Go make it long and narrow;
Sweet William died for me to-day
And I'll die for him tomorrow.
10. They buried him at the head of the church,
They buried her in the mire;
And out of his breast there sprung a red rose,
And out of her a briar.
11. They grew and grew to such an extent,
They could not grow any higher;
They met and tied in a true love's knot,
And the rose-bush robbed the briar.